Volunteer
Give a few hours. Make an impact on a child’s life.
Every child deserves someone in their corner. At Compass for Kids, volunteers share their time, talents, and encouragement to help kids build confidence, discover new possibilities, and recognize all they’re capable of becoming.
Whether you can give a few hours each week or join us for a one-time opportunity, there’s a place for you at Compass!
Find Your Volunteer Opportunity
Questions? Contact Shelly Kinner at shelly@compassforkids.org.
Be a Mentor
Be a Mentor
Build friendships and offer encouragement.
Share a Meal
Provide Dinner
Share a hearty meal with the Club Compass kids.
Share Your Talents
Share Your Talents
Bring something you love to share with the Compass kids.
Join the Summer Fun
Join Summer Fun
Help kids level up at Camp Compass 2027.
Make a Difference During the School Year
Club Compass is a free weekly program for underserved elementary students in Springfield Public Schools – District 186 who benefit from added connection, encouragement, and opportunities to grow.
Our volunteers are an important part of making Club Compass possible! Whether you’re helping a child with homework, sharing a special talent, serving dinner, or simply spending time getting to know the kids, there are plenty of ways to get involved.
Ways to Volunteer:
- Dinner Provider: Bring a family-style meal to share with Club Compass kids, volunteers, and staff.
- Classroom Leader or Mentor: Spend time with the kids, help with activities, and be a familiar, encouraging face each week.
- Kitchen Helper: Help prepare, serve, and clean up after dinner.
- Enrichment Partner: Share a hobby, skill, or interest with our kids.
Email Volunteer and Special Events Coordinator Shelly Kinner at shelly@compassforkids.org or click the button above to get started today.
Club Compass Life Skills / Enrichment
Have a hobby, talent, or skill you’d love to share? Our Club Compass kids enjoy learning from community members who bring new experiences and ideas to Club.
- Read a story
- Make music
- Create crafts
- Get moving
- Lead a STEAM project
Enrichment sessions start at 4:40pm and last 45 minutes at our Club Compass locations. Whether you join us once or come back often, you’ll inspire and have fun with amazing kids!
Sign up now for 2026-27:
Family-Style Dinner
Share a meal, share your heart. Sign up to provide a Family Style Dinner at Club Compass and help create a warm, community-centered experience that the kids look forward to.
Club Compass has five sites that each meet one time weekly. Dinner for the Club kids starts at 5:15pm.
| Day | Club Compass Partner School | Club Compass Site Location |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday | Graham Elementary | Westminster Presbyterian Church |
| Tuesday | Harvard Park Elementary | First Church of Brethren |
| Wednesday | Black Hawk Elementary | South Side Christian Church |
| Thursday | McClernand Elementary | Third-Presbyterian Church |
| Thursday | Dubois Elementary | Douglas Avenue United Methodist Church |
Why We Show Up
Sometimes it’s the little moments that mean the most.
The smile when a child solves a tricky math problem. The excitement of finishing a book. The confidence that comes from trying something new and discovering, “Hey, I’m actually pretty good at this!”
As a Compass for Kids volunteer, you get to be part of those moments.
You don’t have to have all the answers or change a child’s world in a single afternoon. Sometimes, just showing up, offering encouragement, and believing in what a child can become makes all the difference.
“I show up for the moments.”
“I show up for those eyes that light up. For that enormous smile. For the moment when a child realizes: ‘Wait. I’m actually really good at this.'”
– Bala Ramaraju
Compass for Kids Board Member, Former Camp Counselor & Club Compass Volunteer
Summer Program Information
Camp Compass
Camp Compass, our summer learning program, is open to volunteers ages 16 and older. Camp Compass is scheduled to take place in June and July at multiple elementary school locations in Springfield Public Schools – District 186.
Volunteer opportunities include:
- Classroom Aide (help with math and/or reading)
- Field Trip chaperone
- Enrichment Activity leader
Every Moment Matters. So Does Yours.
Sometimes it’s helping a child work through a tough homework assignment. Other times, it’s sharing a laugh over dinner or introducing the kids to something they’ve never tried before.
Whatever your role, the time you spend volunteering at Compass helps create experiences, friendships, and memories that stay with our kids long after the day is over.
You can be part of that story.
Have questions? Contact Shelly Kinner, Volunteer & Special Events Coordinator, at shelly@compassforkids.org.